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Re: This may be a stupid question, is there some law

Yes. NJ and Oregon.

Law: You cannot pump your own gas. All gas stations are full service and full service only.
Country: USA
State: New Jersey

Explanation: Oregeon and New Jersey are the only two states in the United States that require attendents to pump gas at gas stations. There are many arguments for it, but many are not very well substantiated. It is claimed that it should not matter because gas prices are lower in these two states. Insurance costs for gas stations go down slightly if a "qualified attendent" is pumping the gas, but they must also pay for the cost of hiring an extra worker. Combined with varying taxes on gasoline between states, its true affect on gas price is anyone's guess. It is also claimed that having your own gas pumped for you is superior because drivers don't have to brave the elements and fiddle with the gas pump and their gas cap. With the exception of a few elderly and disabled persons, most people are perfectly capable of getting out of their car in a covered area for five minutes and place a nozzle in their gas tank. Another argument is that by forcing consumers to go to gas stations with attendents, it helps out the job market. Opponents argue that employing these people is merely a waste of money, and if jobs are needed, other opportunities could easily be created (i.e. city beatification). Regardless of the truth behind the matter, Oregon and New Jersey are keeping this law on the books and fully enforcing it.

Re: Good \'ole NJ...

I don't know. When I lived in Joisey I always pumped my own gas. I would just tell they guy, that's cool, you can take it easy on this one or I'll get it, your busy. Never had a problem. Even now when I travel on the turnpike, I have always pumped my own gas.

You can pump it in NJ . . .

It is not legal, I suppose, but if the attendant is real busy and I get tired of waiting I pump it myself.

Never had one of them complain. It's less work for them, and it's not like they are working for tips . . .-Josh P.
2001 530i Steel blue metallic/gray
40% Huper Optik ceramic tint
SP/PP/CWP/Xenons/Steptronic/PDC/yada yada yada
BMW CCA # 195307

Not around here...

If you try to finish pumping it yourself, the attendants get annoyed. Usually rush over and take it away. One told me it's because if a customer spills it, they have to treat it like an environmental spill. Have to put on an environmental suit and follow a tedious clean up process.